A preliminary prevention program for eating disorders in a junior high school population

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of an experimental program presented to junior high school students that focused on attitudes and knowledge about body weight, dieting, and purging as well as behavioral intentions to diet effectively. In Study 1, the experimental group and the control group were pretested. Two days after pretesting, the subjects in the experimental condition were presented a short videotape followed by a discussion. Both the videotape and discussion were presented by a 23-year-old female. All subjects were assessed again four days and one month after pretesting. In Study 2, subjects were assessed as in Study 1, however, the videotape and discussion were presented by the regular Home Economics I teacher. Based on comparisons of the experimental groups and the control groups, it was found that the experimental program in both studies was successful in changing subject's knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions regarding some aspects of their eating behavior. Limitations of these findings were discussed, as well as implications for further research.Received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Missouri—Columbia. Interested in applied work with adolescents and adults.Received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Michigan State University.Research interests in eating disorders and intimate relationships.